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Identification solutions for bicycle riders

Bicycle riders are encouraged to use emergency contact cards but are not required to carry ID.

Instead of making ID compulsory from March, bicycle riders are encouraged to carry ID or new cards with emergency contact details. Emergency cards will be made available through Cycling NSW and Bicycle NSW.

The contact cards will ensure family members can be notified in the event of a crash and to assist emergency services staff in providing the best medical treatment possible.

Roads Minister Duncan Gay said the alternative solution struck the right balance between safety and convenience and builds on the first six months of cycling reforms, which has delivered improved road safety outcomes for bicycle riders.

“At a time when the road toll is increasing across the country, this year’s preliminary statistics show bicycle rider injuries and fatalities are stable or reducing in NSW,” Mr Gay said.

“It is still early days, but this would suggest our changes, including the introduction of the Minimum Passing Distance rule and campaign, are making a positive difference to road safety.

“I want to thank bicycle riders and motorists for heeding our warnings and for being more respectful – our roads are there to share.”

Bicycle NSW presented findings from the Bicycle NSW Members Survey showing about 93 per cent of bicycle riders already carry ID, meaning there will be no change to what they are already doing.

“I am proud of the strong, working relationship Bicycle NSW developed with the NSW Government in order to discuss bicycle rider identification, and we will continue to encourage riders to carry some form of ID,” Bicycle NSW CEO Craig Meagher said.